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PLOS Global Public Health 2023Assessment of the burden of disease and techniques for clinical diagnosis could ultimately help in schistosomiasis control. This study assessed the impact of exercises...
Toward schistosomiasis control: Assessment of infection-associated voiding symptoms, quality of life and the impact of exercise coupled with water intake on egg recovery in an endemic community in Ghana.
Assessment of the burden of disease and techniques for clinical diagnosis could ultimately help in schistosomiasis control. This study assessed the impact of exercises and water intake on ova recovery during laboratory diagnosis and schistosomiasis-associated urinary symptoms and quality of life (QOL) among inhabitants of Dendo, an endemic community in Ghana. The clinical findings and responses of 400 randomly selected participants were used for the study. The International Prostate Symptoms Score (I-PSS) was used to collect information on participants' self-reported urinary symptoms and QOL. Finally, urine samples were collected on two consecutive days, initially without exercise and water intake and then after exercise and water intake, and about 10 ml of it were microscopically examined for the presence and quantification of ova. The data collected from the study were analyzed using IBM SPSS. Schistosoma haematobium egg recovery increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 206 (51.5%) to 220 (55.0%) after exercise and water intake with the highest increase being observed among participants less than 20 years (53.3% to 57.1% after exercise and water intake). As high as 90.3% and 56.8% of Schistosoma-positive participants reported IPSS>7 (symptomatic voiding disorders) and QOL≥4 (mostly dissatisfied or unhappy QOL) respectively. The commonest voiding symptoms reported were nocturia (98.9%) and incomplete emptying (79.6%). Positive correlations between egg count, IPSS score, and QOL were observed. This study provides important evidence for the inclusion of exercise and water intake in the microscopic diagnosis of Schistosoma haematobium and reveals that schistosomiasis significantly impacts the affected individuals' urinary health and overall quality of life.
PubMed: 37983234
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002514 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Nov 2023Schistosomiasis is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases, with a great impact on public health and more than 200,000 deaths annually. Schistosoma...
BACKGROUND
Schistosomiasis is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases, with a great impact on public health and more than 200,000 deaths annually. Schistosoma haematobium causes urinary tract (UT) morbidity. Since schistosomiasis morbidity control programs focus on children older than 5 years, pre-school age children (PSAC) morbidity is not well known.
METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional study in Cubal (Angola) among 245 PSAC with the objective of evaluating the prevalence of S. haematobium infection, the intensity of infection, and associated morbidity. For this purpose, urine filtration test followed by microscopic visualization and ultrasound examinations were performed.
RESULTS
The estimated overall prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis was 30.2% (CI 95%; 24.5-35.9), with 20.3% (CI 95%; 15.3-25.3) of the samples analysed showing a high intensity of infection. A total of 54.5% (CI 95%; 47.6-61.8) of infected children presented UT lesions, showing a significant association between schistosomiasis infection and UT morbidity (p-value < 0.001). Bladder wall thickening was the most common lesion, being present in 100% of abnormal ultrasounds. We found that anaemia and severe malnutrition were not significantly associated with the development of UT lesions.
CONCLUSIONS
S. haematobium infection in PSAC causes great UT detectable morbidities. Therefore, there is an evident need of including them in mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns and consequently the development of an adapted praziquantel treatment dosage for children under 2 years of age.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Child; Child, Preschool; Infant; Schistosomiasis haematobia; Prevalence; Angola; Cross-Sectional Studies; Morbidity; Schistosoma haematobium
PubMed: 37939154
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011751 -
IJU Case Reports Nov 2023Chronic infection with can lead to pathology of the upper and lower urinary tracts. While well known as a cause of squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder, relatively...
BACKGROUND
Chronic infection with can lead to pathology of the upper and lower urinary tracts. While well known as a cause of squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder, relatively little research exists on ureteral involvement. Here, we present a unique case of bilateral ureteral obstruction from schistosomiasis with concomitant ureteral stone disease.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 43-year-old male Somalian immigrant was diagnosed with a right proximal ureteral stone and bilateral multifocal ureteral narrowing causing obstruction with preserved renal function. He underwent a staged repair with right robotic pyelolithotomy and non-transecting ureteroureterostomy, followed by left robotic ureteroureterostomy with stricture excision. Pathology revealed ova.
CONCLUSION
Ureteral stricture from schistosomiasis represents a rare diagnosis for urologists in non-endemic countries. Bilateral ureteral narrowing and concomitant ureteral stone burden presented both diagnostic and reconstructive challenges, requiring a staged repair. Minimally invasive reconstruction was achieved using robotic assistance with good functional outcome.
PubMed: 37928292
DOI: 10.1002/iju5.12605 -
Parasites & Vectors Nov 2023Urogenital schistosomiasis caused by the parasitic blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium is the most common form of that constitutes a majority of over 240 million...
BACKGROUND
Urogenital schistosomiasis caused by the parasitic blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium is the most common form of that constitutes a majority of over 240 million schistosomiasis cases. The enigmatic absence of urogenital schistosomiasis in Uganda has, until now, been attributed to the absence of substantial populations of suitable snail intermediate hosts.
METHODS
Malacological surveys were carried out in 73 sites southeast of Lake Albert, Uganda in October and November 2020. Collected snails were transported to the laboratory for identification. The snails were identified using partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit one and nuclear internal transcribed spacer barcoding. Schistosome infections in snails were also assessed using cercarial shedding and rapid diagnostic PCR techniques.
RESULTS
We found Bulinus globosus and Bulinus nasutus productus, the main intermediate species in the transmission of S. haematobium in mainland East Africa. In this survey, B. globosus was more common than B. nasutus productus, with the former reported at four sites (total count = 188) and the latter reported at one site (total count = 79). Molecular testing revealed a high prevalence of Schistosoma bovis in B. nasutus productus (16%), but no S. haematobium infections were found.
CONCLUSIONS
Given the abundance of snail hosts and the risky human water contact behaviours observed, we highlight the potential for urogenital schistosomiasis transmission in the region.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Schistosomiasis haematobia; Lakes; Uganda; Schistosoma haematobium; Bulinus
PubMed: 37919743
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06017-3 -
Journal of Tropical Medicine 2023Malacological and parasitological studies were conducted from April 2020 to March 2021 to determine the abundance and distribution of molluscs and cercariae of spp and...
Malacological and parasitological studies were conducted from April 2020 to March 2021 to determine the abundance and distribution of molluscs and cercariae of spp and . Collected molluscs are exposed to strong light to induce cercarial release. Mollusc densities were higher at station 1 (Gamak) than in station 8 (Patakai), with and more abundant and , , and less abundant. The overall prevalence of cercariae (19.87%) is higher in station 3 (Yaye orchard), station 9 (Gougni), station 4 (Madiogo), station 5 (Madiogo pasture), and station 6 (Ziam 3). It varies significantly between 15.76% in station 8 and 25.77% in station 3, between 8.48% in and 25.53% in , and between 19.27% for cercariae of spp and 21.60% for those of . Cercarial emissions in and were higher in hot and cold dry seasons; on the other hand, cercarial emissions in were higher in hot dry seasons (31.48%) and rainy seasons (23.38%). Emissions of cercariae from are related to areas of human activity and defecation, while those of in , in , and in are related to grazing areas. Mayo-Vreck is a site that favors the endemicity of fascioliasis and human schistosomiasis.
PubMed: 37900305
DOI: 10.1155/2023/9527349 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2023schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease and remains a disease of public health concern. Despite its relative importance, paucity of information on...
INTRODUCTION
schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease and remains a disease of public health concern. Despite its relative importance, paucity of information on schistosomiasis in urban settings such as Ndola remains. Here, we present findings on the prevalence and factors associated with Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) infections among School-going children in the Kawama in Ndola district in Zambia, an urban area in the Copperbelt Province, Zambia.
METHODS
we employed a cross-sectional study design among 354 school going-children between 5 and 17 years of age between November 2020 and February 2021. A Multivariate forward step-wise logistic regression model was used to determine the associations of risk factors. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are reported.
RESULTS
of the 354 school-going children included in the analysis, 13.3% had S. haematobium infection. Children who swam in the stream/dam were more likely to have S. haematobium infection as compared to those who did not (aOR 6.531, 95% CI: 2.90-14.69).
CONCLUSION
S. haematobium infection is endemic among school-going children in an urban setup of the Kawama area of Ndola City, Zambia. There is a need for targeted interventions to mitigate infections among this population.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Schistosoma haematobium; Prevalence; Zambia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Schistosomiasis haematobia
PubMed: 37900207
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.45.170.41193 -
Case Reports in Infectious Diseases 2023Vulvar schistosomiasis is a female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), which occurs because of the damage caused by the presence of schistosome ova within the vulva. FGS is...
BACKGROUND
Vulvar schistosomiasis is a female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), which occurs because of the damage caused by the presence of schistosome ova within the vulva. FGS is mostly misdiagnosed as a sexually transmitted infection. There is no reported case of vulvar schistosomiasis from in an immunocompetent or immunocompromised person in Ghanaian medical literature; however, there is a reported case of in an immunocompromised person. This is the first case of vulvar schistosomiasis from infection in an immunocompromised person. This case report discusses the need to consider vulvar schistosomiasis in patients with itchiness of the vulva. . A sixty-nine-year-old married woman presents with a persistent vulvar itch that is unresponsive to treatment. A clinical diagnosis of vulvar lichen planus unresponsive to medical therapy was made. A histopathological diagnosis of vulvar schistosomiasis was, however, made. Ziehl-Neelsen stain revealed the ova of . Symptoms resolved on administration of oral praziquantel.
CONCLUSION
Vulvar schistosomiasis must be considered in clinical history-taking and investigation of signs and symptoms related to itchiness of the vulva. Ziehl-Neelsen staining is a helpful histopathology armamentarium to determine the species of schistosome ova.
PubMed: 37886136
DOI: 10.1155/2023/9913905 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2023Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is a neglected disease with long-term physical and psychosocial consequences, affecting approximately 50 million women worldwide and...
INTRODUCTION
Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is a neglected disease with long-term physical and psychosocial consequences, affecting approximately 50 million women worldwide and generally representing an unmet medical need on a global scale. FGS is the chronic manifestation of a persistent infection with . FGS services are not routinely offered in endemic settings with a small percentage of women at risk receiving adequate care. Madagascar has over 60% prevalence of FGS and no guidelines for the management of the disease. This study aimed to determine FGS knowledge among women and health care workers (HCWs) in a highly endemic area of Madagascar.
METHODS
A convenience sampling strategy was used for this cross-sectional study. Descriptive statistics including proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, reporting socio-demographic characteristics of the population. Knowledge sources were evaluated descriptively. Binary Poisson regression with robust standard errors was performed; crude (CPR) and adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) with 95% CIs were calculated.
RESULTS
A total of 783 participants were included in the study. Among women, 11.3% ( = 78) were aware of FGS while among the HCWs 53.8% ( = 50) were aware of FGS. The highest level of knowledge was observed among women in an urban setting [24%, ( = 31)] and among those with a university education/vocational training [23% ( = 13)]. A lower APR of FGS knowledge was observed in peri-urban [APR 0.25 (95% CI: 0.15; 0.45)] and rural [APR 0.37 (95% CI 0.22; 0.63)] settings in comparison to the urban setting. Most HCWs reported other HCWs [40% ( = 20)] while women mainly reported their family [32% ( = 25)] as being their main source of information in the 6 months prior to the survey.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
Our study shows limited awareness and knowledge of FGS among population groups in the highly endemic Boeny region of Madagascar. With this study we contribute to identifying an important health gap in Madagascar, which relates to a disease that can silently affect millions of women worldwide. In alignment with the targets of the NTD roadmap, addressing schistosomiasis requires a paradigm shift for its control and management including a greater focus on chronic forms of the disease.
PubMed: 37886060
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1278974 -
PloS One 2023Urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) caused by Schistosoma haematobium is endemic in the South West Region of Cameroon. An understanding of the abundance and distribution of...
Seasonal and environmental dynamics of intra-urban freshwater habitats and their influence on the abundance of Bulinus snail host of Schistosoma haematobium in the Tiko endemic focus, Mount Cameroon region.
Urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) caused by Schistosoma haematobium is endemic in the South West Region of Cameroon. An understanding of the abundance and distribution of the Bulinus snail, intermediate host can inform strategic snail control programmes at a local scale. This study investigated seasonal dynamics and environmental factors influencing occurrence and abundance of freshwater snail intermediate hosts in Tiko, a semi-urban endemic focus in the Mount Cameroon area. A longitudinal malacological field survey was conducted between December 2019 and December 2020 in the Tiko municipality. Snails were collected for one year monthly at 12 different human water contact sites along a stretch of the Ndongo stream using a standardized sampling technique. Freshwater snails were identified using shell morphological features. In addition, water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solutes, salinity, water depth, width and flow velocity were measured, and vegetation cover as well as substrate type were determined. Bayesian regression models were used to identify the main environmental factors affecting the occurrence and abundance of Bulinus intermediate host. In total, 2129 fresh water snails were collected during the study period. Physa (51.4%) was the most abundant genus followed by Melanoides (28.6%) then, Bulinus (15.5%), Lymnaea (4.2%), Indoplanorbis (0.2%) and Potadoma (0.1%). Seasonality in abundance was significant in Bulinus sp as well as other genera, with greater numbers in the dry season (peaks between December and February). Water temperature, a rocky or sandy substrate type associated positively with Bulinus sp, meanwhile a higher water flow rate and medium vegetation negatively influenced the snail intermediate host population. These findings underscore the importance of timing behavioural and snail control interventions against schistosomiasis as well as increase vigilance of other trematode diseases in the study area. The continuous spread of planorbid snail hosts is a major concern.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Bulinus; Schistosoma haematobium; Seasons; Cameroon; Bayes Theorem; Snails; Schistosomiasis haematobia; Fresh Water; Water; Ecosystem
PubMed: 37856526
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292943 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Oct 2023The Geshiyaro project aims to assess the feasibility of interrupting transmission of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and schistosome (SCH) infection in the Wolaita zone...
Baseline soil-transmitted helminth and schistosome infection in the Geshiyaro project, Ethiopia: A unique transmission interruption project using biometric fingerprinting for longitudinal individual analysis.
BACKGROUND
The Geshiyaro project aims to assess the feasibility of interrupting transmission of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and schistosome (SCH) infection in the Wolaita zone of southern Ethiopia through high coverage community-wide mass drug administration (MDA), in combination with improved water, sanitation, and hygiene services and behaviour change communication delivered through the existing health care infrastructure. To accurately measure treatment coverage a population census was conducted enrolling individuals with biometric fingerprinting and barcoded ID cards. This paper details the baseline census and parasitology surveys conducted before the start of any interventions.
METHODS
The census was conducted in five of the 15 Wolaita districts between October 2018 and December 2019, enrolling all consenting participants from every household. Simultaneously, a cross-sectional parasitology survey was conducted in 130 out of 361 randomly selected communities from all 15 districts, with 100 individuals across all age groups (infant to adult) per community providing stool and urine for analysis by duplicate Kato-Katz and a point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) to test for Schistosoma mansoni and STH, and microhaematuria and urine filtration for Schistosoma haematobium. Of the 130 communities, 30 were randomly selected for annual, longitudinal parasitological monitoring, with 150 randomly selected individuals from infant to adult providing two days of stool and urine samples for analysis by the same diagnostic tests per community.
RESULTS
In total 97,919 households participated in the baseline census enrolling 466,071 individuals, with parasitological data obtained from 10,785 people. At baseline, 15.5% were infected with at least one STH species, with Ascaris lumbricoides (9.5%), followed by hookworm (7.2%) and Trichuris trichiura (1.8%). Substantial heterogeneity in STH prevalence was observed between communities ranging from 0% to 61% where most infections were low intensity. Schistosoma mansoni infection was the dominant schistosome infection (0.85% by Kato-Katz and 13.3% by POC-CCA trace negative and 21.5% trace positive), with few Schistosoma haematobium infections identified (2.77% haematuria positive and 0.13% positive by urine filtration).
CONCLUSIONS
While the national control program in Ethiopia has made good progress in reducing prevalence of STH and SCH in Wolaita since it was launched in 2015, there remain areas of persistent infection suggesting the existence of environmental or behavioural risk factors that contribute to ongoing transmission. This project aims to identify the most efficient intervention strategies to reduce community burden and reach interruption of transmission.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Helminthiasis; Soil; Ethiopia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Helminths; Schistosoma mansoni; Feces; Biometry; Prevalence
PubMed: 37851666
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011589